[New Attraction] Experience Thrilling Sumo in Namba!

An interactive performance show explained in English

In May 2024, "THE SUMO HALL NICHIRAKUZA OSAKA" opened in the entertainment-rich Namba area.

This is an entertainment attraction where overseas visitors can easily experience the appeal of Japan's national sport, "sumo."

The charm of Nichirakuza lies in the spectacular performances by former professional sumo wrestlers and the various experiences that spark curiosity about Japanese culture. It's perfect for those who "want to learn about traditional culture," "want to watch sumo matches," or "want to create lasting memories from this trip"! Here's a report on the highlights.

"THE SUMO HALL NICHIRAKUZA OSAKA" is located on the 8th floor of the large commercial facility "Namba Parks." You can access it from Midosuji Line or Sennichimae Line's "Namba Station."

Actually, I live in Japan, but I rarely have the chance to see sumo matches in person. The grand sumo tournaments have limited venues and schedules, plus tickets are incredibly hard to get… So I was really looking forward to the opening of Nichirakuza!

THE SUMO HALL NICHIRAKUZA OSAKA

[Access] Approximately 10 minutes on foot from Midosuji Line / Sennichimae Line "Namba Station"

[Address] 2-10-70 Namba Naka, Naniwa-ku, Osaka, Namba Parks 8F

[Business Hours] 11:00〜23:00

(11:00〜17:00 only souvenir shop open)

[Regular Holidays] Every Tuesday and year-end/New Year (12/31・1/1)

※Open on Tuesdays during peak season

[Show Times] ★For 2 shows per day

① Doors open 17:00 ― Show starts 18:00

② Doors open 20:00 ― Show starts 21:00

★For 1 show per day

Doors open 18:00 ― Show starts 19:00

※Each show is about 60 minutes + commemorative photo

[Ticket Prices] S Seat: 16,000 yen (same price for children)

A Seat: 12,500 yen (children: 9,000 yen)

B Seat: 9,500 yen (children: 7,000 yen)

BL Seat: 50,000 yen (up to 4 people)

※All reserved seating

※All show tickets include a “Nichirakuza Bento,” “Nichirakuza Kids Bento,” or “Nichirakuza Snack Pack” and one drink.

※S Seat does not include “Nichirakuza Kids Bento” in principle. Includes “Nichirakuza Bento” or “Nichirakuza Snack Pack” and one drink.

※Children's ticket applicable age: 3 to 12 years old

Nichirakuza's performances are held twice daily, starting at 18:00 or 21:00. (On some days there may be only one show.) It retains the traditional style of watching sumo while enjoying bento, snacks, and alcoholic drinks. Amazing! Being able to enjoy food and a show at the same time is such a great deal!

On the arena stage surrounded by audience seats, former sumo wrestlers appear. The 60-minute show was spectacular and left me in awe. Let me give you a little spoiler and introduce some highlights.

Wow, I'm stunned…! Isn't this incredibly cool?

This is a scene from a performance depicting the history of sumo wrestlers through mythology. The visuals, lighting, music, costumes, and creativity all had a mystical feel. Sumo is an exciting sport, but it also exudes a sense of sacredness. This may relate to sumo's origins as a ritual to pray for a good harvest. This show conveys the spirit of Japan's national sport, sumo.

Today's show is called "SUMO CHRONICLES JOURNEY OF THE RISING SUN." I really wish more people could see it～.

Then came "Make some noise!"

Amidst cheers and shouts of encouragement, the wrestlers performed powerful sparring and clash drills. When the wrestlers faced off, their strength was extraordinary. Just the impact of the collision made me scream "Yaa—!" I couldn't tell if it was a cheer or a shriek. When the throwing techniques appeared… I was like "Whoa!" The impact of a huge body being thrown into the air in an instant—I really hope you can experience that up close.

During the introduction of drills and signature moves, there were many shouts of "So cute—!"☆ The performers' actions were truly "Osaka-style." Why… I'm sure you can tell from this expression. Be sure to smile a lot♪

Then there were real tournament matches. The tension when the wrestlers raised their legs and faced off made my skin tingle. In just a few seconds, they had to read their opponent's strategy. The anticipation of not knowing what would happen reached its peak, "Ready to attack…"

"The outcome is undecided!" Go～～～!!!

Some matches ended in an instant, while others dragged on and saw a comeback. As expected of wrestlers who participated in grand sumo, their fighting was spectacular. I wanted to take photos and also remember the atmosphere with my own eyes… I really wished I could rewind it. The most thrilling moments were so cool! It seemed there was always an exciting match, and I really looked forward to seeing what kind of bouts would happen.

Well, I've already spoiled a lot, so I'll stop here!

Everyone laughing, cheering, and high-fiving each other when moved! It truly was an exhilarating entertainment show. Absolutely fantastic☆

Then the ultimate experience at Nichirakuza: the audience challenge to wrestle against the performers!

Three challengers are randomly selected from those who wish to participate. They face off in the ring. Their brave figures were unforgettable.

Wearing sumo gear, each audience member tried their best to push or pull… but the opponent stood like a mountain. In the end, they were elegantly tossed into the air (allegedly not painful).

One challenger said, "This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience! In the future, when I face a challenge or feel hesitant, I'll remember standing in the ring." Great☆ Applause! It's truly a special experience.

Now, let me introduce the bento I enjoyed during the show today.

Takoyaki, yakisoba, chirashi sushi—all Osaka gourmet in the "Nichirakuza Bento." I'd never seen a bento with takoyaki before (laughs)! Enjoy the local foods of Osaka while eating the Nichirakuza Bento～.

The bento and one drink are included in the show ticket price, which is very reasonable! The "Nichirakuza Kids Bento" includes cute-looking rice balls～.

※Menu items may change.

If you want something more upscale, you can choose a premium Japanese restaurant bento or halal/vegetarian bento. And if you just want snacks to pass the time, there's the "Snack Pack" filled with "Kansai-style" treats.

・Premium Bento: +4,000 yen

・Halal Bento: +2,000 yen

・Vegetarian Bento: +2,000 yen

There's also a souvenir shopping area perfect for buying gifts. It's at the entrance, and you can shop without a show ticket. I absolutely love the souvenir items. The variety and taste are truly "Yokozuna-level (top-tier)"～!!

There are many Osaka souvenirs, but the design of Nichirakuza's original items is very tasteful and full of Japanese style. There are also many items only available here, so I had a great time browsing.

Sumo × ukiyo-e items are a must-buy. Fans, bamboo clogs, and many other items are both elegant and practical. They also make great gifts for men. Pair them with daily wear for a stylish look!

For small souvenirs, I chose ukiyo-e fridge magnets. For special souvenirs, I recommend collaboration items with local Osaka manufacturers, high-quality denim tote bags, and aprons! The "Nichirakuza" logo is retro, and you can imagine they'll age nicely. I hope everyone finds souvenirs that will leave lasting memories of their trip and can be used daily or for a long time.

I hope you enjoy everything from watching the show to shopping.

The entire show is conducted in simple English for overseas audiences. There are explanations of sumo history and rules, but it's all "easy English," so even I, who only speak Japanese, had no problem.

Remember to choose your seat grade and bento type when booking. This time I sat in the A Seat, third row from the front, and I was very satisfied, but next time I want to sit in the S Seat right by the ring!

■S Seat: 16,000 yen for adults (same price for children)

■A Seat: 12,500 yen for adults, 9,000 yen for children

■B Seat: 9,500 yen for adults, 7,000 yen for children

■BL Seat (Box Seat): 50,000 yen (up to 4 people)

※Children are 3 to 12 years old.

■All seats are reserved.

■All show tickets include a “Nichirakuza Bento,” “Nichirakuza Kids Bento,” or “Nichirakuza Snack Pack” and one drink.

■S Seat does not include “Nichirakuza Kids Bento” in principle. Includes “Nichirakuza Bento” or “Nichirakuza Snack Pack” and one drink.

■Premium Bento (+4,000 yen), Halal Bento (+2,000 yen), Vegetarian Bento (+2,000 yen) ※All prices include tax.

■If ordering a bento, please order by 10:00 three days before the show date (after that, only the Nichirakuza Snack Pack will be available).

■Orders for the “Nichirakuza Snack Pack” must be placed by 15:00 on the show day.

■New shows are updated on the first business day of each month.

■Up to 7 tickets per purchase. (※BL Seat: up to 3 tickets)

■Children aged 3 and over require a ticket for entry.

■If you need a wheelchair, please inquire separately.

At the pre-opening preview, a special guest from the sumo world was invited! Ura-seki, a makuuchi wrestler born in Osaka, came to enjoy the show.

He commented, "It was a very fun show, and I was completely absorbed. I really hope foreign visitors can experience the vibrant energy of Osaka and learn about the joy of sumo at Nichirakuza." He also expressed his hope for Nichirakuza's success. Ura-seki is a popular sumo wrestler I really like, and I look forward to his future performances!

Japanese sumo culture has a history of 1,500 years. I used to think it was a bit inaccessible, but "THE SUMO HALL NICHIRAKUZA OSAKA" is an entertainment facility that spreads the culture well while allowing people to "watch," "taste," and "experience." It made me feel that sumo is no longer distant and deepened my sense of its cultural depth. I predict that the appeal of sumo will spread around the world. I hope everyone can have an unforgettable experience at Nichirakuza!

※The information provided is as of July 5, 2024. Please note that schedules, times, prices, etc., may differ from current information.

Travel diary table of contents

1. ● "I want to watch sumo!" Wish fulfilled!

2. ● Charm of the Nichirakuza show ① "The heroic sumo is captivating"

3. ● Charm of the Nichirakuza show ② "Osaka-style sumo commentary"

4. ● Charm of the Nichirakuza show ③ "Real matches give me goosebumps~!"

5. ● The ultimate sumo show experience!?

6. ● Enjoying Osaka local gourmet hospitality

7. ● A high-quality souvenir shop is a shopping paradise☆

8. ● How to buy Nichirakuza tickets and notes

9. ● Cheers from the sumo world! Looking forward to Nichirakuza's success★

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